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A scoop of creamy baked mac and cheese with crunchy topping being lifted from a casserole dish.
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5 / 2 votes

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked macaroni and cheese is smothered in a rich and ultra creamy four-cheese sauce that's seasoned with BBQ rub. It feeds a crowd, making it a perfect Southern holiday side dish.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 570

Ingredients

  • Softened butter, for the casserole dish
  • Table salt
  • 1 pound dried elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon store-bought or homemade BBQ rub
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Lightly grease a 4-quart (3.8-liter) casserole dish or Dutch oven with butter.
  • Fill a large pot about three-quarters full of water, generously season the water with salt, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cream and milk. Heat just until boiling.
  • While the milk mixture heats, whisk the cornstarch and water into a slurry in a small bowl.
  • Turn the heat under the milk mixture to medium and whisk in the slurry until the sauce is thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheeses. Stir until the sauce is very smooth.
  • Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, the garlic powder, onion powder, rub, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir to coat.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: If you want to add a layer of buttery bread crumbs here, mix up panko, bread crumbs, or crushed crackers with some butter (and a little extra BBQ rub, if you like), and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. (See the FAQ above.)

  • Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before devouring.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 300mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g